Coverage tagged Manufacturing.
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Infiniti will build its first premium compact hatchback at Nissan’s Sunderland plant from 2015, targeting rivals like the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.
General Motors paused production of the Chevrolet Sonic and Buick Verano at its Lake Orion plant in Michigan, citing high inventory and falling demand as key reasons for the shift cancellations.
Nissan’s Smyrna plant in Tennessee has started manufacturing lithium-ion battery packs for the Leaf, supported by a $1.4bn federal loan and creating over 300 jobs.
Volkswagen is increasing its European market share in 2012 while Opel and PSA Peugeot Citroën struggle with mounting losses and state intervention.
The French carmaker confirmed a further 1,500 job cuts in 2014, adding to previous reductions as it struggles with falling European sales and mounting debt.
Jaguar Land Rover has launched a dedicated cold weather testing facility in International Falls, Minnesota, expanding its North American engineering footprint.
Opel will halt vehicle manufacturing at its Bochum facility in 2016, affecting 3,000 workers, as GM addresses persistent overcapacity in its European operations.
Porsche has begun construction of its new North American headquarters in Atlanta, consolidating operations and adding a customer experience centre with a 1.6-mile test track.
Ford will reduce daily output of the B-Max by half at its Romanian facility, citing sluggish European sales, but engine production at the site will increase.
Renault and Nissan are developing a budget car for the Indian market, targeting a €3,000 price point to compete directly with the Tata Nano, with production set for Chennai.
Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed the Alfa Giulia is in development and addressed speculation around larger sedans, as Fiat prioritises a European turnaround.
Daimler and Bosch have raised their joint venture’s electric engine production goal from 1 million to 2 million units by 2020, aiming to supply both Mercedes-Benz and other manufacturers.
The French group’s new Qingdao facility will double its automotive glass output in China, supplying window films and backsheets for the region’s growing vehicle market.
Tesla posted a third-quarter loss of $110.8 million while doubling Model S production, with the company missing its original 2012 output target despite surging demand.
Sergio Marchionne’s restructuring plan will see Lancia dropped, with Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Jeep each set for new strategic roles in the group.
Nissan will invest $358 million in a second assembly plant near Bangkok, aiming to double Thai production to 150,000 vehicles a year by 2014.
Mercedes-Benz do Brasil has secured contracts to supply over 1,700 Atego trucks to the Ministry of Defence and 400 Sprinter ambulances to the Ministry of Health, with deliveries underway and completion expected by 2013.
Dacia’s Mioveni plant will build the right-hand drive Sandero for the UK, increasing output by 30,000 units and targeting early 2013 sales at a sub-£6,000 price.
General Motors will spend $450 million upgrading its Rosario Automotive Complex between 2013 and 2015 to build a new global Chevrolet model for domestic and export markets.
Volvo will cut line speed and reduce agency staff at its Ghent plant in Belgium from 2013, responding to lower European demand for its core models.
European regulators have not received a formal notification from France regarding state guarantees for PSA Peugeot Citroën’s €7bn refinancing plan.
Volkswagen will ship 200,000 Europe-built vehicles to China in 2013 and invest €3.4 billion in Brazilian operations as European demand falls.
Fiat is in talks with Guangzhou Automobile Group to manufacture the entire Jeep portfolio in China, aiming to boost sales in the world’s largest car market.
Fiat is preparing to build two small SUVs, one Fiat, one Jeep, at its Melfi facility from 2014, aiming to boost exports and keep Italian plants active amid falling European sales.